In the truest spirit of teamwork, our entire school community came together last year and we have demonstrated what can be accomplished through perseverance. I am committed to continuing our positive momentum toward increased student achievement at all schools and grade levels district-wide. We want our students to be engaged in a sequence of courses that challenges them to achieve their greatest potential so they are well prepared for life beyond high school.

We are very proud of our UHS Class of 2014. We produced graduates who are now attending Harvard, Stanford, the Claremont Colleges, several UC schools, and many other four-year colleges and universities.

With a new funding model and a balanced budget, we have the great fortune of reducing class sizes in grades K-3. As a result, we have hired several new teachers this summer. In addition, we will implement a dedicated Transitional Kindergarten program at five elementary sites this year.

One of our major areas of focus moving forward will be to increase the number of students who meet the requirements upon graduation to enter four-year colleges. Our junior high schools will implement an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program this year that will create a seamless transition to the AVID program already implemented at Upland High School and help prepare all students for college and other postsecondary education opportunities.

At Upland High School, Building N (Industrial Arts) is in the final stages of renovation and a “grand opening” will be revealed soon.

I am proud to be a member of the Upland community and I am determined to maximize the potential of each and every student in our school district.

We have what it takes to become the highest achieving school district in this County and in the surrounding region. Let’s do this! We are UPLAND!